Testimonials & Awards

Our Academy Parents Describe How Their Children Are Thriving at St. Academy Avellino Catholic Academy:

“Can this school get my child the best high school? Can this school instill good discipline and good character in my child? These are two questions I asked before choosing St. Andrews Avelino. So far, so good.

St Andrews Avelino, also known as SAACA is a great place to be. The school is more like a family community where staff, students and parents work together to help students excel academically, morally, and spiritually. My daughter and I are blessed to be part of SAACA family community.

SAACA is blessed with highly qualified teachers, friendly staff members, and a very hardworking principal, who love to see their students excel in their academics. The teachers utilize every available educational tool they can lay their hands upon, creating a great learning environment for our children. SAACA teachers are very respectful, patient and understanding. So there is ample opportunity for teachers, students, and parents to work together to bring positive change. So far, it has been a tremendous learning experience for all of us.

SAACA is a community where kids can learn faith based values as members of the body of Christ. The loving and dedicated priests in SAACA strongly support students in their development. They seek to build the students’ characters to help them become successful and responsible leaders of tomorrow. This is made possible by their inspiring teachings, constant prayers, and impeccable exemplary life.

This school continues to fulfill my expectations with its quality education and focus on character building in its students. I am so glad to have found a school full of joy, faith, hope, knowledge, and devotion to excellence.

~ Rosemary Abakporo, 2022

“I am a parent of an alumna, Class of 2021, and a current 8th grader, Class of 2022. My daughters came to St. Andrew Avellino Catholic Academy in Junior High.

I chose St. Andrew Avellino Catholic Academy, solely based on the reputation that Principal Hanna has in the Diocese of Brooklyn. Principal Hanna is committed to her students in achieving a great education as well as providing them with the knowledge and confidence they need to be successful. Principal Hanna has the respect of her students. She has built strong relationships with her teachers, students and parents. She is the first to arrive early in the morning and the last one to leave at night, dedication is her middle name. Principal Hanna listens to her students, she is fair and consistent. She is an effective principal and exhibits leadership qualities. When it came to my daughters who were starting at a brand new school she took them by the hand from day one and made them part of her beautiful family. She was there for both of them everyday in every way.

I call the Junior High Teachers, Miss Quinn, Ms. DiStasi and Mrs. Busse, “The Dream Team”. They have provided my daughters an amazing education, built their confidence and given them the tools and skills to achieve success. They are amazing role models and mentors. This year Principal Hanna has welcomed 2 new Junior High Teachers, Mr. Pleines and Mr. Miller to her amazing faculty. They genuinely care for each and every one of their students, they come to school everyday, ready to educate and inspire their students.

My daughters were both accepted to all their Catholic High Schools as well as received scholarships, Principal Hanna and their teachers are to thank for them achieving such amazing achievements. St. Andrew Avellino Catholic Academy has an impeccable reputation with the Catholic Schools in our area. They know when they receive a student from St Andrew Avellino Catholic Academy, they are well prepared for the next level of education, the students are respectful and prepared for achieving success in high school. Principal Hanna, as well as her faculty builds their students wings so they can fly and reach the stars!”

~ Diana Argenzio, 2022

“I have 4 children in Saint Andrew Avellino Catholic Academy. All of them have attended SAA since pre-k and my 2 oldest are getting ready to graduate this year and go to high school. I have so much appreciation to all the teachers for their hard work and dedication. The principal, Ms. Hanna is the perfect mixture of everything that should go into being a principal. I feel like everyone at SAA have helped raise and shape my children into beautiful, smart, kind and God loving individuals. I know it is often said in other places, but being in SAA really does feel like family. The families I have met there have been amazing, friends I feel I will have forever.”

~ Michele Gonzalez, 2022

My daughter graduated with honors from SAACA and continues to be an honor student in high school. She is a singer and actress, and she started her first performance on the stage in Andrean Hall. She often talks about how crucial SAACA was to her life and how much it affected her in becoming who she is today. She is now filming a TV show in Los Angeles. We are very thankful for all the performance opportunities she had gotten at SAACA.

My son went to a public school when he was in the 1st grade, where he was neglected and yelled at to the point where he was frightened by the teacher there. After we transferred him to SAACA, he has been happy in school and is an honor student as well. He loves his school so much that he has been telling me that he wants to send his kids to SAACA in the future.

My entire family is grateful for the wonderful environment SAACA has created for our kids.”

~ Clare Liu, 2022

“I just wanted to say that the SAA staff and community welcomed us very warmly with open arms as newcomers this year. My daughter has significantly grown in her faith during such a short time. It truly surprised me. She mentions often how much she loves attending mass at SAA Church. The Vatican Catholic Relics event especially touched her and she even strongly encouraged me to attend. (She called me like 20 times at work until I said ok). It was nearly a life altering event for me. And I know the event touched her deeply.

In short, we feel at home at SAA. It’s not common these days to feel such closeness with the school community and the church too…especially in a short period of time.

And of course, SAA is most special because of Ms. Hanna. Her intellect goes well above the academics – a true leader with magnanimous compassion and genuine love for her students, teachers and staff. We can’t ask for more.”

~ Sinacori Family, 2022

“St. Andrew Avelino Catholic Academy provided both of my children with an exceptional education throughout the years that we have been attending. My son Tristan (Class of 2020) went on to attend a Catholic High School where he took all the skills and knowledge that he obtained in his years at SAA and continues to apply them to his daily studies with great success. My daughter Scarlett will be entering 7th grade next year and is also receiving an excellent education at SAA. St. Andrew’s not only develops a well rounded student educationally, it also builds on each child’s character and well being. They truly care for their students. The teachers here go above and beyond to provide for each individual student. I couldn’t be happier with the education and support my children have received here!”

~ Heather Summa, 2022

“We chose St. Andrew’s after interviewing three local Catholic schools. What stood out for us was the way the principal, Ms. Hanna, completely answered all our questions. She was spot-on. The academic scores on state exams were also very impressive to us.

My son is challenged academically, especially during a pandemic where many children have fallen behind. My son has also been an IN PERSON student throughout this whole pandemic. We are very thankful about that!

More importantly to us, however, was the MORAL component of our son’s education. He is getting the education that we received and that is priceless! The whole school starts the day with prayers followed by recitation of the pledge of allegiance and they finish by singing “God Bless America”. I know of no other school starting their day this way!

Bullying is NOT tolerated at SAA. Ms. Hanna makes sure of that. The kids are taught kindness and respect for each other.

In conclusion, SAA is teaching my son all he needs academically and morally to help him become a successful, intelligent and ethical young man. We are happy we found this gem of a school in the heart of Queens!”

~ Hannia & Joseph Upton 2022

“What makes St. Andrew Avellino Catholic Academy so special is the tight-knit school community and personal attention each child receives. At St. Andrew’s, your child is not just “another student” in a large school. Each child’s needs are addressed in an encouraging and positive school environment. The faculty and Ms. Hanna take a personal interest in seeing your child succeed to their fullest ability. The well-rounded curriculum at St. Andrews’ provides children with an excellent education and offers fantastic art and music programs. We are so thankful we have our children at SAA, especially during these challenging times with the pandemic. The school has done an outstanding job keeping the school open and our kids safe. There is always transparency and prompt communication from the teachers and Ms. Hanna, which really helps parents feel at ease knowing their children are well looked after. I am grateful my children attend SAA.”

~ Anna Viviani 2022

“St. Andrew Avellino Catholic Academy (SAACA) is the best place we can imagine for our child. We chose SAACA for the exceptional academic program and the high level of teacher involvement. Since Nursery, our child has felt nurtured and valued by the teachers. The children receive all the guidance they need academically, personally and socially. The teachers are very caring and dedicated. Every grade level teacher we’ve had has created a very positive and memorable experience for our child. The faculty and students create a community that is safe and supportive and builds social confidence. Communication between the principal, teachers and parents is very reassuring. SAACA has brought out the best in our child. It is a wonderful place to learn and grow. With the COVID-19 Pandemic, we have been impressed by the organization and effort from Ms. Hanna and the faculty to create a safe environment for the children to attend school in person full-time. We really appreciate Ms. Hanna and all the SAACA faculty and staff. This is just another instance in which we are so happy we chose SAACA for our son’s education and are confident we made the right choice.”

~ Carolyn Albanese, 2021

“St. Andrew Avellino has always been my second home. I attended SAACA from kindergarten to 8th grade and I will forever be thankful to my parents for making such an amazing choice when it was time for my brother and I to go to school. That was why, without hesitation, I chose SAACA for my son when I was looking for a nursery program. He is currently in fourth grade. I wanted him to share in the same traditions (Christmas Fair, Halloween Parade, Catholic Schools Week, etc.) that I grew up loving so much. Everything has brought back great memories and I’m so happy to share them with my son as well. Ms. Hanna, the faculty and staff are the most dedicated group of individuals I have ever met and that is why I will always be proud to be part of the St. Andrew Avellino family.”

~ Elena Escobar, 2021

“We have 4 children in SAACA. Our twins started pre-k in 2012, and they are now in 7th grade and will be graduating next year. We also have a son in second grade, and his sister is in Kindergarten. We have had almost every teacher and know every staff, and LOVE them all. Every teacher and every staff knows ALL my children even if they have not taught them. It truly feels like a family with just the right amount of discipline and love. They all have received a truly exceptional education. Lastly, we cannot begin to express how wonderful the principal Mrs. Hanna is. When we were first looking into various catholic schools in the area, meeting her was why we ultimately choose the school. She was humble and confident about her school, and she has continued to be impressive and amazing through the years. You truly feel blessed and grateful to be a part of SAACA.  

~ Jason and Michele Gonzalez, 2021

“Not many parents can say they have 14 plus years of the “St. Andrews experience.” My two oldest daughters are alumnae, and my 2 youngest sons are currently enrolled in fifth and third grades. I cannot fully express how amazing the current state of the pandemic is being handled by the faculty, Nurse Weber, and especially our Principal/Health Ambassador Mrs. Hanna. Not a single day has passed that I ever felt my children may have been in jeopardy or unsafe in any way. When we went remote last March, the children missed out on actual learning, socialization, and emotional and spiritual growth. St Andrew Avellino Catholic Academy continues to be a safe haven during these difficult times, and for this peace of mind I am grateful.” 

~ Darice Guzman Piotrowski, 2021

“We are so happy to send my son to SAACA each day!  We made the switch from public school to SAACA and it was the best decision. Our son has grown socially, academically and spiritually. He is engaged, happy and he absolutely loves going to school!  In this challenging time, we are so grateful for SAA and all they have done to provide a consistent, safe and nurturing environment for our child. “

~ Jackie Scotto, 2021

“Our school closed suddenly and we were saddened thinking that we could never find another school my son would love. We were wrong. We had heard many wonderful things about SAA from neighborhood parents we met throughout the years. Great things were said about the academics/state test scores, the strong music program and the oratorical component of the education. All turned out to be true.

In our quest for a new school we visited four schools in the area. We chose SAA because we liked your re-opening plan and YOU. Your plan for reopening during this pandemic was so well thought-out, and organized. You made it your mission to open the doors of SAA and keep them open throughout the whole academic year. To date, we’ve only been forced to learn remotely twice since September, and those times were only for a couple of days THANK YOU FOR KEEPING YOUR SCHOOL OPENI! My son has had a wonderful experience so far, socializing with his peers and teachers while learning in the classroom. His teachers are all so patient, kind, and very good. He loves them!

We are so happy we chose St. Andrew’s for my son. He is thriving academically, socially and artistically in every way. Every day he wakes up eager to go to school and every afternoon at pickup he has a smile on his face and is eager to share his day with us! We also appreciate all the “extras” like the art and music classes my son is enjoying in addition to all his other subjects. Your after-school music (guitar) lessons and choir were also unexpected offerings that I know many schools have cut from their budgets. SO many things to be thankful for at St Andrew’s! Bless you for keeping this school open during this pandemic and helping our son make the transition to his new academic “home.”

~ Hannia and Joseph Upton, 2021

March 22, 2018

Dear Mrs. Hanna,

It comes late, two years after my son, Joshua Olewnicki of Class 2016, has graduated from St. Andrew Avellino Catholic Academy.  This letter has been long due.

THANK YOU ST. ANDREW, AND THANK YOU MRS. HANNA!

I was cleaning up a pile of old paper yesterday, and found my husband had placed Joshua’s Graduation book from St. Andrew, in the wrong place!  Reading through the book, finding ALL the kids are going to good schools, drives me strongly to write this letter that I have been thinking to write but have not.

It is amazing how you have helped my son achieve what he is now, going to St. Francis Prep, and was accepted to Aviation High School, from a boy with learning disability.  I am truly grateful for what you have put in for him!  The school’s loving environment has nurtured him to become the best of him, an amazing result that I am still wondering how it can be done!  You and my husband have done such a great job!

I come from China, and I believe in a Buddhist School, I am not a hundred percent believing in spending money to go to a Catholic school instead of using a free public education, so I have not recommended any one to your school.  Seeing the results and observing 9 years of my son’s school days in your school, I am now willing to recommend this school to anyone who has interest.

Sincerely yours,

~ Minyie Zen

Members of Our Alumni Recount Their Most Fond Memories:

“Punchball, stickball and ringolevio in the fenced in playground next to the school (now occupied by a school building).”

~ Robert Daoust, Class of 1952

“Three Monahan children attended St. Andrew’s as well as my five children and three on my grandchildren. I am so happy and thrilled to still to be part of this beautiful Parish. We all have wonderful memories of fun times, and the best is the lasting friendships we now share. The best education and thanks go to the Dominican Sisters in the early years and now praise and thanks go to the dedicated teachers that are there now. God Bless St. Andrew’s and keep going.”

~ Joan Monahan Fourman, Class of 1954

“All seven of us in the Lennon family attended SAA as well as my three children, the Linekins. What a wonderful basic education we were provided by all the dear nuns and other staff. How blessed we were.”

~ Kathy Robertson Lennon, Class of 1954

“We were baby boomers, so due to increase in school students, no classroom for some of us. We were in basement of rectory for 8th grade – Sister Mary Mark. What a hoot! Lot of shenanigans going on then. Still keep in touch with my best friends from Flushing: Kathy Lynch, Cathy Garity, June Hope, Dodie Seeley, Jean Reed, Julianne Fenchak. Such good memories. Love coming back from PA and visiting old neighborhood. Such change!”

~ Eileen Quinn Landers, Class 1960

“I loved the Dominican nuns that taught us. “

~ Rosamond Martin, Class 1962

“The wonderful Dominican Sisters and lay Teachers are responsible for the best education my 6 siblings and I could ever ask for.”

~ Mary Jane Fogerty McQuade, Class 1962

“I have wonderful memories of my time spent there. A few things jump out particularly:

• Clapping erasers outside – and what a treat it was to be given that special job!
• Recess on the sidewalk outside of school…and the sign pole in concrete that had to be moved at the end of every recess so the cars could go up and down the block again.
• The uniforms! I can still recall every bit – the snap tie, the green kneesocks, the vest, the yellow shirt, the plaid skirt.
• The plays in Andrean Hall! I had the particular privilege of playing Marta in “The Sound of Music” one year.
• The Christmas Fair where we would go shopping for Christmas presents for our families.
• Going to Church for all the Church feast days…the beauty and solemnity of St. Andrew’s, the smell of incense.
• Some of the most wonderful teachers, especially Ms. Marciano who became Mrs. Baer. I absolutely adored her…and I was so saddened to hear of her passing.
• And probably one of my most favorite things…getting to order Scholastic books! (I’m a librarian…should have been a clue to my future!)”

~ Peggy (Pigue) Lopez, Class of 1978

“I vividly enjoyed shopping at the craft/gift fair! Also, “publishing” a book that was in the library. I have wonderful memories of so many great teachers, lay and nuns!”

~ Rosemarie Molina Nowicki, Class 1983

“The friends I made that when I was so little, and the fact that I am still friends with them to this day. St. Andrews was our home.”

~ Patrick Burke, Class of 1985

“Mrs. Hanna was my fave teacher“

~Ashley Corona

“The people, clapping erasers, sweep stakes, all the Nuns teachers! The plays. The most beautiful church”

~ Valerie Pagano D’Arco

“Sports Night!!!!”

~Danny Roman